The small-business owners who failed to secure Bantuan Rakyat 1Malaysia (BR1M) cash handout have been given until May 31 to appeal, said the Finance Ministry.

In a statement today, the ministry said the appeals could be filed at all Inland Revenue Board branches, Pusat Khidmat Hasil (PKH) and Urban Transformation Centre (UTC).

The applicants have to fill up an form and submit it together with relevant supporting documents such as the pay slip, income statement, bank statement (both company and private) and an updated photocopy of the MyKad for the spouse or dependent.

Previously, several small-business owners who registered under Companies Commission of Malaysia (SSM) claim that their BR1M applications have been rejected.

"For those who failed to secure BR1M for 2017, letters and emails of notification have been sent out to them, with an explanation of the reason for failing and the method for appeals," said the ministry.

A total of 6,320,769 BR1M applications, involving RM5.41 billion, have been approved for this year.

From that amount, a total 3,242,048 households which earned monthly income below RM3,000 will receive RM1,200, while 291,918 households with an income between RM3,001 and RM4,000 entitled to RM900.

A total of 2,786,803 individuals with an monthly income below RM2,000, will receive RM450.

Earlier today, Finance Minister II Johari Abdul Ghani explained that the screening methods were employed to ensure that the targeted groups benefited from BR1M.

Meanwhile, the existing recipients were encouraged to update their records, including next of kin details and mailing address by visiting any LHDN branch, PKH and the closest UTC during the appeals period.

Applicants with further questions can call 1800-88-2716 or write to br1m@treasury.gov.my.